We'll have Alex Brown of Optimum Scouting live at the game today, tweeting (follow on @ABXXV25) from the pressbox/field all day. And he'll get a treat, watching the under-rated talent-wise Texas Tech roster that features a Shrine Game quarterback, two other weapons offensively, and a sneaky good safety.
For Minnesota, they feature a handful of fringe NFL talents on the defensive line, and one of the more impressive athletes in former quarterback turned mid-season receiver Marqueis Gray.
Notes by Eric Galko and Alex Brown of Optimum Scouting
Marqueis Gray, QB/WR, Minnesota – #5, 6'5, 210
The former quarterback made the switch over to receiver mid-season this year, opening the door for better evaluation for Gray at his likely NFL position of receiver. A receiver (and an impressive one at that) as a sophomore, he started as a junior at quarterback and looked to come into this year to build on his upside as a passer. While he’s still rusty in his routes, has stiff hips in his route transition, and hasn’t been in the right position blocking-wise consistently, he’s shown strong hands and physicality to separate vertically, a wide catch radius and strong hands to bring it in, and great ball tracking ability in the short area. Still a raw receiver prospect. Gray certainly intrigues me enough to warrant a late round pick.
Seth Doege, QB, Texas Tech – #7, 6’1, 205–
More then just your typical Red Raiders system quarterback, Seth Doege should be a valued backup quarterback at the next level, capable of starting in the case of injury. Doege lacks ideal measurables in terms of size, but possesses enough arm talent and excellent scanning vision for a shorter quarterback. A quick decision maker that adjusts his feet and resets to pressure fluidly, Doege diagnoses pressure looks well in the presnap phase and reacts properly. With a nice outing this weekend and a continuation of production at the East West Shrine all-star game, Doege could earn himself a 6th or 7th round draft selection.
Darrin Moore, WR, Texas Tech – #14, 6’4, 210
A journeyman of sorts that committed to UTEP coming out of high school and transferred out after one redshirt season to win a JUCO national championship with 2011 #1 overall draft choice Cam Newton, Darrin Moore has developed both physically and mentally into a next level, draftable prospect. Moore is a big, long and physical target that can extend to pluck the ball away from his frame; understanding how to make the most of his big frame, Moore does a strong job of boxing out at the catch point. Both his release technique and hand usage off the line need to improve versus the press, but Moore’s physical size and overall balance enable him to simply run through and shed press coverage corners. Moore is a solid bet to go in the 7th round.
LaAdrian Waddle, OT, Texas Tech – #65, 6’6, 330
Posing the massive frame, study bold and length needed to remain a tackle at the next level, La'Adrian Waddle will need to workout well in the months leading up to the draft in order to improve his stock from a priority free agent grade to a late draftable grade. Appearing to be more natural kick sliding back with his inside foot rather than his outside foot at left tackle, Waddle will stand to benefit from a move to the right side of the line, where he can cover more ground with his dominant foot. In the running game, Waddle positions himself right away to punch and turn the opposing end out of the hole; flashes plus strength to his upper half and snap at the point of attack. He’ll need to keep his feet underneath his framework to avoid lunging and overextension at the point of attack, but in-line strength is evident with the massive tackle prospect. Definitely a project that needs to polish up on his footwork and technique, Waddle possesses the physical traits teams look for in a developmental right tackle and later round pick.
Cody Davis, S, Texas Tech – #16, 6’2, 202
A taller and larger safety prospect, Davis has earned a reputation for strong tackling skills and solid technique at the point of attack. Questions with Davis arise in regards to his range at safety and potential ability if converted to outside linebacker. Too straight-lined and rigid for most teams’ taste at safety and only possessing average long speed, Davis may need to pack on bulk to play closer to the line of scrimmage. As the free safety over the top, Davis is easily drawn out of deep help positioning with play fakes, resulting in big play opportunities for the opposing offense. With better discipline and improved hip fluidity, Davis could remain at safety in the NFL, but that is a question that remains to be answered. Davis is a priority free agent prospect that will likely earn a practice squad spot for his rookie season.
Others to Watch:
Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota – #99, (JR)
DL Wilhite, DE, Minnesota – #95, 6'3, 245
Troy Stoudermire, CB, Minnesota – #2, 5’10, 195
Ed Olson, OT, Minnesota – #58, 6’7, 320
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
